Bridge Over The Arkansas River Closes, To Be Replaced

Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department Director Scott Bennett speaks at the ceremony marking the closure of the U.S. Highway 70 Broadway Bridge.

Credit Chris Hickey / KUAR News

A 93-year-old bridge that connects Little Rock and North Little Rock has seen its last morning commute.

The Broadway Bridge was closed to vehicle traffic Wednesday as crews prepared to replace the span over the Arkansas River. Members of the state Highway Commission and local officials marked the historic bridge's closure with a ceremony.

About 25,000 vehicles used the bridge to cross the Arkansas River daily. Much of that traffic is expected to move to the Main Street bridge, which has a daily traffic count of about 12,000 vehicles.

Officials say the Broadway Bridge will be demolished in stages. The state says it expects the span's $98 million replacement to open to traffic within six months of the bridge's closure.

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Final preparations are being made before the Broadway Bridge between Little Rock and North Little Rock closes Wednesday. It will then be demolished, with a new bridge built in its place, hopefully opening within six months. But in the meantime, officials fear having one less span across the Arkansas River will lead to traffic gridlock.